OTC products for acne treatment
Contents
Objective
A global understanding of markets, products, and distribution channels related to the acne product market. Our overall focus is on the OTC market, not prescription.
Introduction
Definition
Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a common skin condition, affecting 85-100% of people at some time during their lives. It is caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units, skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland. It is characterized by noninflammatory follicular papules or comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules in its more severe forms. Acne vulgaris affects the areas of skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles; these areas include the face, the upper part of the chest, and the back. Severe acne is inflammatory, but acne can also manifest in noninflammatory forms. Acne lesions are commonly referred to as pimples, blemishes, spots, zits, or acne. Source
There's been a gap in products marketed to adult women--little or nothing was available to address their acne needs, and as a result, sales have lagged. "No one was looking to target the 30- to 40-year-olds," said Lee Feldman, vice president of sales for Advanced Research Labs. Source
- In this report we have presented Acne Market details for following countries.
Causes of Acne
Acne is a common occurrence at puberty. With the increased production of sex hormones, the sebaceous glands become hyperactive. Androgen and progesterone are responsible for the hyperplasia of the oil glands. The usual premenstrual flare-up is explained by some observers as occurring during the period when the normal androgen-estrogen balance in the blood is altered in favor of androgen. Hence hormonal imbalance is held responsible for causing acne. Psychogenic stresses particularly the habit of picking pimples, makes them worse.
Besides seborrhoeic diathesis and hormonal imbalance, other factors which aggravate acne are:
- a diet rich in fats and starches;
- intestinal stasis, especially constipation;
- a sedentary life;
- excessive use of greasy cosmetics, pomade, detergents and mechanical rubbing
- Heavy or oily make up
- Over abrasive cleansing
- Diet high in nutritious food can also help aggravate acne.
Acne Types
There are various types of acne and they are:-
- Acne Rosacea
- Acne Cosmetica
- Acne Vulgaris
- Acne Fulminans
- Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
- Acne Chloracne
- Acne Medicamentosa
Acne Treatment
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is suggested only in cases of chronic or severe acne and should be taken from the dermatologist.
To outline the drug treatment, it aims chiefly to:
- Cut down the bacteria in the hair follicles and on the skin surface.
- Open the hair follicles by removal of the blackheads.
- Cut down the acne inflammations.
Local Drug Treatments
Benzoyl Peroxide preparations available as gels and lotions have become very popular in the treatment of acne. Cream "Ultra Clearasil" is a very potent Benzoyl preparation. One of the main action points of Benzoyl Peroxide is to kill bacteria. It releases oxygen which helps in killing aerobic bacteria.
The sulphur drug preparations, available as creams, gels and lotions, are extremely effective in treating acne. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, sulphur is committed to killing bacteria. Sulphur is a disinfectant and used in skin treatments for eczema, etc.
Tetracycline usually has no side-effects and hence is the safest drug. However, in some uncommon cases, it causes bilousness, indigestion, vaginal thrush or rash.
Research Methodology
Objective A global understanding of markets, products, and distribution channels related to the acne product market. Our overall focus is on the OTC market(Excluding prescription drugs).
Data Collection
Secondary data sources are only used to conduct the research.
The list of various sources used to conduct the research are as follows:
- Euromonmitor International
- MarketResearch.com
- Frost and Sullivan
- Marketline Business Information Center (Datamonitor)
- Online Pharmacy Store: drugstore.com
- Search Engine: Google
Scope of the study
- Included two major markets namely U S and Japan.
- Study covers leading brands for Acne treatment for OTC and not Prescription drugs for mass distribution channel that includes mainstream supermarkets, chain drugstores and mass merchandisers.
